Apple iWatch wearable event tipped for October

Apple aims to launch its first wearable device at an event in October, insiders claim, with a standalone launch for the new hardware range. Form-factor for the new device is unclear at this stage, though long-standing rumors point to an "iWatch" smartwatch with a health focus that would link into Apple's new HealthKit platform.

Unsurprisingly, perhaps, the launch window is currently tentative, sources tell Re/code, but an October event is the current goal.

It's not the first time we've heard of a late-2014 launch window being planned. Back in April, for instance, it was reported that Apple was aiming for a Q3 2014 launch.

A report earlier today suggested that the wearable would have a curved OLED touchscreen, along with various health-related sensors intended to feed data into the Health app. Apple is said to be planning to produce 3-5m units per month, according to supply chain sources, indicating ambitious sales goals.

HealthKit - and the companion Health app for iPhones - is Apple's attempt to aggregate and understand biomedical data from a variety of sources in iOS 8.

Announced at WWDC 2014 this week, HealthKit provides a secured, private store for data from everything from heart-rate sensors and pedometers, through to more specialized equipment like blood glucose sensors. We've gone in-depth on what HealthKit and Health offers in our WWDC coverage, particularly in how it handles privacy.